Zeidan wasted no time asking the four other panelists to identify the operational issues they have been facing during the past year and talk about the solutions they are employing to overcome problems .
Sloan Dean , CEO and president of Remington Hotels , was quick to suggest that unemployment stimulus in U . S ., now extended through September , is making it even harder to find staff as his hotels reopen and welcome back guests . “ Even the staffing companies are having challenges ,” he said , adding that Remington still has many line workers who weren ’ t ready to come back . He added that other important associates such as revenue managers have left the industry altogether , having found similar opportunities in other businesses .
To combat labor shortages , Dean said Remington is conducting more regional hiring programs .
Raul Leal , former CEO of Virgin Hotels and now with the Virgin Group board , warned customers will not be forgiving to any hotels who are short staffed . “ You can ’ t support revenue and rate growth under these circumstances ,” he said , adding that F & B will have a big impact on revenue as people , especially locals , want to come back . “ Operators must reinvent on the F & B , entertainment and event sides to bring locals back , which will be the bread and butter of the future .”
Jason Liebman , managing partner of owner-operator Auric Road , with five boutique properties had better news , saying his properties in locations like Big Sky , Montana , Palm Springs , California and Daytona Beach , Florida , have been recording record numbers since reopening . “ We slung shot back with record rates and occupancy ,” he said . However , he too , is having issues with labor and said while recently trying to find line cooks . Auric Road has also had trouble finding housekeepers and in March had to cut back on turndown service .
Highgate Managing Director Richard Millard said his company has
Remington Hotels CEO Sloan Dean made several points about how his management company is using technology to navigate COVID and labor challenges .